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Chelydra serpentina
Alligator snapping turtle about 1 foot long.
Aberdeen Proving Ground.
This was the second year I found these turtles coming up from the Chesapeake Bay to lay eggs.
Name changed and thanks. I have more sightings and one might be an alligator snapper.
Hi Ronold, beautiful spotting!
I agree with Jeffrey, this is a Common Snapping Turtle. Alligator Snapping Turtles have pronounced ridges on their shells (among some other differences):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alliga...
In addition, Alligator Snappers aren't known to occur in Maryland, only Common Snappers.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Plan...
Spotted on Aug 12, 2011
Submitted on Mar 7, 2013
